Product Overview

NS/Portfolio^TM Toolbox is a comprehensive collection of software development tools and samples for use with NS/Portfolio connectivity software. These tools allow for rapid development of Windows-based applications accessing data from and providing Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) to existing IBM mainframe or AS/400 host applications. The following items are included:

• A Visual Basic frame to provide a foundation for Emulator High-Level Language Application Programming Interface (EHLLAPI) applications.
• Active X tools.
• Macro Object tools.
• Tutorials, sample applications, and on-line help.

HOST DATA ACCESS TOOLS

In addition to industry-standard EHLLAPI specifications, NS/Portfolio also provides an Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) Automation interface to accommodate standard client/server development tools such as Visual Basic, PowerBuilder, Delphi and Visual C++. NS/Portfolio Toolbox users do not need to learn C language calling conventions or proprietary scripts.

Included in NS/Portfolio Toolbox is a set of sample applications that access host data, control a host application and provide a GUI front-end to the host screen in Visual Basic. These applications provide a tutorial on developing client/server applications with OLE Automation, as well as a framework providing a higher-level and more intuitive programming environment. The need for the "green screen" has been eliminated.

ACTIVE X TOOLS

For programmers who wish to develop powerful applications that access host data for Microsoft Windows operating systems in a short time period, the NS/Portfolio Toolbox includes a powerful set of Active X controls that allow for the easiest and quickest way to create these applications. These controls are the latest in OLE technology. They can be placed on a web page in an Internet/Intranet environment, and the Toolbox includes sample home pages for these controls. The set of Active X controls include:

• Elite Controls for 3270 and 5250 display sessions -- These controls automatically establish and maintain HLLAPI connections to the host.
• AS/400 Controls: These controls allow for quick and simple development of applications using the AS/400 services through the NS/Router. These Services include:
  
  • Submit Remote Command
  • Data Queues
  • File Transfer
  • Distributed Programming Calls
  • System List

MACRO OBJECT TOOLS

NS/Portfolio’s Macro Object Recorder provides many features for both the user and programmer. A recorded Macro Object automates repetitive tasks and host navigation with intelligent screen recognition. Macro Objects can enhance the productivity of the end-user by automating user tasks.

Macro Objects can be embedded into other OLE-compliant Windows applications (for example, Microsoft Word or Excel) and can be automatically updated within these applications. Developers can programmatically invoke these Macro Objects to navigate and automate functions, thereby decreasing development time and difficulty.

NS/Portfolio Toolbox provides sample applications and a simple tutorial on how to use Macro Objects.